‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2’

Expected to make fans crazy starting tomorrow from director Francis Lawrence and Lionsgate is the conclusion of the series with “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2” on Bluray with Combo Pack.

After Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) was attacked by Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), things are heating up even more in Panem. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is hatching more plans to stop the rebels from reaching the Capitol. President Coin (Julianne Moore) puts together a special team to reach their target.

Katniss teams up with Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin) Boggs (Mahershala Ali), Johanna (Jena Malone), Cressida (Natalie Dormer), Messalla (Evan Ross) and Pollux (Elden Henson). But what upsets Katniss is that Peeta is with them as well. His mind is still not right and proves it when the group is attacked.

As the group dwindles, it is up to Katniss and Gale to reach the steps of the Presidents mansion and bring the war to its end!

While more secrets are revealed, her life will never be the same again.

Lawrence as Katniss wraps up her role as the “girl on fire.” Growing up before our eyes, fans have experiences every bit of her path as the Mockingjay with love, family and the strength of a warrior trying to bring everyone together against their common foe — President Snow and the Capitol. Lawrence is intense and knows that this characters path has never been an easy one and the end is not what she expected.

Hutcherson as Peeta gets to play crazy for a bit of the film. Trying to fight the urge of the brainwashing, Peeta has to work extra hard to win back the trust of those who are now leery of him. Hutcherson gives his character one final push towards the finishing line wanting a simple life once again.

Sutherland as President Snow is wonderfully evil from the first “Hunger Games” to the last. Even when he is in the rose garden with Katniss acting a little crazy, he is not about to let her walk away thinking it was all about him. His facial expressions can be deceiving which makes his character even more amazing.

I’d go through each character but there are just too many put together in the finale. Moore as Coin is a character with an agenda that is too similar for Katniss to deal with. Moore can keep a straight face better than any actress I know. I never believe for a moment that she had anyone’s best interest at heart except her own.

I enjoyed Harrelson finishing up his role of Haymitch and sometimes there is a look on his face that honestly makes me laugh. Check out the final scene at the table with Katniss voting on the new games.

Banks as Effie is a character that has always made me laugh. That and the ability to bring a tear, especially regarding her feelings for Katniss. With each film her tender heart came out — no matter how outrageous her outfits. Banks just gave this character such style and I have to say I will miss her.

Hoffman as Plutarch is heart tugging to see but good. Hemsworth as Gale has problems of his own, Malone as Johanna is another kind of nutty, Dormer and Claflin aren’t on the screen long enough to follow but good to see them.

Shields as Primrose is so grown up and all this time Katniss spent protecting her, it seems the Capitol wasn’t finished with the young woman. Wright as Beetee has a few scenes but always good to see him. Finally, Tucci as Flickerman who we mainly see in video but we still get to see him!

Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a diversified presence in motion pictures. “The Hunger Games” is not their only successful franchise as fans may well know with the “Divergent” franchise has one more film before its story completion. Also, films such as “John Wick” (one of my favorites!), “Now You See Me” as well as “Love & Mercy” are also part of the Lionsgate library.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2” on Bluray/DVD/Digital HD is giving fans so much more than ever before. There is over five hours of Special Features included in the Bluray covering Audio Commentary with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson, “Pawn No More: Making The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2” 8-Part Documentary” which is a total must-see that goes in depth with Walking Through Fire, Real or Not Real, High-Value Targets, From Head to Toe, Navigating the Minefield, Collateral Damage, Tightening the Noose and A Different World.

That’s not all! There is also The Hunger Games: A Photographic Journey, Cinna’s Sketchbook: Secrets of the Mockingjay Armor, Panem on Display: The Hunger Games: The Exhibition and Jet to the Set.

This brings an end to author Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series. She is also responsible for The Underland Chronicles which is a children’s novel that tells the story of 11-year-old Gregor who should have been watching his sister. When sister Boots fall into the basement, Gregor goes after her. The two end up in a place called the Underland! Yes, you should read all of these book.

In the meantime, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2” is waiting for you in stores tomorrow. Pick up your copy and make sure to set aside quality time to not only enjoy the film but all of the special features.

U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Marine Division deployed to the Indo-Asia region send messages back home to loved ones for Valentines Day. If you know anyone who is currently deployed from 3rd Marine Division, listen in and you might have someone giving a message to you.

171216-M-DI829-1001 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 16, 2017) Lightning strikes near the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as it transits the Arabian Gulf. Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Mark Vetere/Released)